Rev. Fabiola Grandon-Mayer provides practical ways to live a year in grace, inviting individuals and congregations to embrace God’s unmerited favor as a foundation for faith and action. By living out grace in practical ways, United Methodists can align their ministries with God’s boundless love and share its transformative power with the world.
Read MoreThe Northern Illinois Conference provides grants to empower churches to expand ministries, address community needs, and strengthen their mission to make disciples and serve others. In 2024, over $100,000 was distributed through various grants, enabling congregations to remain vibrant centers of worship and service while fostering social justice, inclusivity, and community engagement.
Read MoreThe Northern Illinois Conference is integrating the Discipleship and Anti-Racism Task Forces into the Discipleship Committee and the Commission on Religion and Race, respectively, starting Jan. 1, 2025. This transition ensures the continuation of their goals—growing disciples, addressing racism, and increasing vital congregations—within permanent committees, reflecting the conference’s long-term commitment to these priorities.
Read MoreInspired by Isaiah 58:12 and the message of hope brought by Christ’s birth, the conference aims to be a “repairer of the breach” and encourages others to contribute to this effort as a way of sharing hope and healing with the world. Martha Rudy of First United Methodist Church of Evanston, shares how they designated their Advent and Christmas offering to the Repair the Harm to Children Fund, supporting the Boy Scouts of America Survivor Trust.
Read MoreBeing United Methodist means being connectional, with local churches working together through apportionments to support the Northern Illinois Conference and the global UMC. Apportionments fund critical ministries, including leadership development, church revitalization, and global mission efforts, strengthening local and global ministries. Churches paying 100% of their apportionments help ensure vibrant congregations, new disciples, and opportunities to transform the world through shared mission and generosity.
Read MoreSixty Northern Illinois Conference pastors in cross-cultural and cross-racial appointments gathered for a retreat to address navigating trauma, building resilience, and fostering hope in ministry. Hosted by the episcopal and Connectional Ministries offices, the event provided a safe space for dialogue, community-building, and equipping clergy to lead through challenges like racism and social tensions. With tools, strategies, and renewed purpose, pastors left committed to fostering resilience and being beacons of hope in their congregations.
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